CHRIS SUTTON's player form guide ahead of the Champions League final
Phil Foden is ready to make his mark on the Champions League final against Chelsea but Manchester City won’t enjoy trying to tie Mason Mount down… CHRIS SUTTON’s player form guide ahead of the Porto showdown
- Manchester City face Chelsea in the Champions League final in Porto
- Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel have plenty of talent throughout their squads
- City are aiming for the first Champions League title, and the Blues their second
- Here, Sportsmail‘s Chris Sutton looks at the form guide ahead of the showdown
Manchester City face Chelsea in the Champions League final with both sides looking to finish their season off in style.
Premier League champions City are looking for their first Champions League title in their first appearance in the title, while the Blues will be looking to add to their 2012 crown with success in Porto.
Here, Sportsmail‘s Chris Sutton runs you through the form guide for both sets of players ahead of the final.
Chelsea and Manchester City go head to head in the Champions League final on Saturday
The world’s best ball-playing goalkeeper right now. Oh, and he’s fairly good at saving shots when called upon, too. City’s Golden Glove winner.
Defence
Kyle Walker – 8.5
A real Speedy Gonzales down that right wing. He flies forward as quickly as he tracks back when there’s defending to do.
John Stones – 8.5
If there was an award for most improved player of the season, Stones would win it. He’s been key to City’s success.
If there was an award for most improved player of the season, John Stones would win it
Ruben Dias – 9.5
September 27: City lose 5-2 to Leicester. September 29: Dias signs. What an impact he’s had. Easily the Premier League’s Player of the Year.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 8
This 24-year-old’s ability to play under pressure has seen him win his manager’s trust. Provided stiff competition for Joao Cancelo.
Midfield
Bernardo Silva – 8.5
A starter in all of City’s Champions League knockout ties en route to this final because he’s so influential in that midfield.
Fernandinho – 8
Those ageing legs are still reliable! Started the FA Cup final, Carabao Cup final and bound to get the nod again on Saturday night.
Fernandinho started the FA Cup final, Carabao Cup final and is bound to get the nod again
Ilkay Gundogan – 9
Vitally important to City over this campaign. He’s their top scorer, having added an exciting edge to his game. Who needs a striker anyway?
Attack
Riyad Mahrez – 9
He’s popped up with some pivotal goals in the Champions League this season and he’s as likely as anyone to bag the winner on Saturday night.
Kevin De Bruyne – 9
An elite player who Chelsea will fear. Whether in midfield or as a false nine, he’s effective wherever and can ping that killer pass.
Phil Foden – 9
He’s come of age, he’s got confidence by the bucket load, and he’s ready to make his mark on this Champions League final.
Total Score: 96 out of 110
Phil Foden has come of age and is ready to make his mark on this Champions League final
Chelsea (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy – 8.5
Only Ederson kept more clean sheets than Mendy this season. He’s thankfully fit to feature on Saturday night, otherwise Chelsea would have been panicking.
Defence
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8.5
You always know what you’re going to get from Azpilicueta – nothing short of 100 per cent effort from this club captain.
Thiago Silva – 8.5
How Chelsea have benefitted from his experience. Earned a Champions League runners-up medal last season, but will be determined for more now.
Only Ederson kept more clean sheets than Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this season
Antonio Rudiger – 8.5
He wasn’t a starter under Frank Lampard, but then Thomas Tuchel rocked up and made good use of him. Key to their three-man defence.
Midfield
Reece James – 8
He’s gone from strength to strength. Tuchel’s wing backs give Chelsea plenty of width and James can be an energetic force down that flank.
N’Golo Kante – 8.5
It’s no secret that Kante is like two players in one, and that sort of performance is required if Chelsea are to tame City on Saturday night.
Jorginho – 8
Mateo Kovacic has greater legs but the metronomic Jorginho is the better technician, so Tuchel has a big decision to make in midfield on Saturday night.
It’s no secret N’Golo Kante is like two players in one, and that sort of display will be needed
Ben Chilwell – 8
Watching Chilwell versus Walker down the wing will be interesting. The Chelsea wing back knows when to sit and when to fly.
Attack
Christian Pulisic – 8
If Pulisic is gifted a starting place over Hakim Ziyech or Kai Havertz, then he’s got to use his pace to hurt City.
Timo Werner – 8
He’s putting himself in positions to score but hasn’t been taking his chances. Change that on Saturday night and he can become an instant Chelsea hero.
Mason Mount – 9
Probably the first name on Tuchel’s team sheet, owing to his extraordinary work ethic and skillset. City won’t enjoy trying to tie him down.
Total score: 91.5 out of 110
Mason Mount is probably the first name on the teamsheet due to his extraordinary work ethic
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